Join us sundays at 11:30 and 17:00

Lenten Devotional

March 15, 2019

All Day

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…passion

Colossians 3:5

Put Off
Passion

When my oldest daughter Noemi was one, I remember waking up almost every morning and hearing her trying to get out of her crib. She was an active child who liked waking up very early to play. What she didn’t like was being restricted to a small bed. We would put her favorite toys in the crib, but she ignored those and was only interested in the “outside” world. She had so much passion and determination, that by the time she was 18 months, she was able to climb out of her little crib by herself.

We’re like little children sometimes. We feel that we’re trapped in a little cage and everything that is on the outside is better. In order to be happy and content we dedicate our lives in pursuit of things that should make us happy. For each of us it’s something different–a better job, social status, fitness, or more likes on our Facebook or Instagram posts. Whatever it is, it becomes our biggest passion.

Having passions is not an issue in itself. There’s also nothing wrong in having a good job, high social status, or being fit. What becomes an issue is when a passion becomes something that defines us. If we build our identity on being fit, popular or wealthy, we distance ourselves from the one who can truly make us whole─ Christ Jesus. We then become slaves to our goals and passions.

The people in Colossae were driven by their earthly passions. They acted like little children imprisoned in their little cribs. It was one of the stumbling blocks which kept them from becoming followers of Christ. In his letter to the Colossians Paul urges them to kill the desires and passions that kept them from pursuing God. (Colossians 3:5)

We’re not like little children trapped in a small crib. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are made God’s children (Galatians 3:26) and God gave us the Holy Spirit who frees us from being slaves. (Galatians 4:7)  Our identity should be built on the fact that we are his children and we should seek him with all our power and strength.  There’s nothing better out there!

Lent is a good time to stop for a second and reflect on what is hindering our desire for God and the things he loves. If it’s our passion for one of the earthly things, we have a great opportunity to make a change. Only God can be the source of true happiness. He knows us, loves us and can be our strength and comfort. Let’s make Lent this year a time when we grow closer to him.

 

More Events

March 29, 2024 All Day
Lenten Devotional
March 29, 2024 All Day
Good Friday Service 10:00
March 29, 2024 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Kreuzweg